Houston rodeo parade

February 23, 2013 |Photos by Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Race, fun run also help kick off world's largest hoedown

Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

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A group dressed as characters from the Wizard of Oz participated in the costume contest before the 26th annual ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run 5k and 10k that started on Walker Street downtown as part of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo festivities Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, in Houston.
The Rodeo Run raises scholarship funds for Texas youth. Since 1988, ConocoPhillips has donated all Rodeo Run entry fees to the HLSR Educational Fund, totaling $3.3 million to date.
Last year, a record 15,000 participants took part in the Rodeo Run, generating a record $400,000 for college scholarships.

Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

20of30

A group dressed as characters from the Wizard of Oz participated in the costume contest before the 26th annual ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run 5k and 10k that started on Walker Street downtown as part of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo festivities Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, in Houston.
The Rodeo Run raises scholarship funds for Texas youth. Since 1988, ConocoPhillips has donated all Rodeo Run entry fees to the HLSR Educational Fund, totaling $3.3 million to date.
Last year, a record 15,000 participants took part in the Rodeo Run, generating a record $400,000 for college scholarships.